“It was simple,” says Eric. “Our goal was to get together and make good music that didn’t sound like anything else.”
“It was natural because the feeling, vibe, and friendship were already there,” adds Amp Live. “When you start out like that, everything else falls into place.”
Since 2009, the duo have shared the stage on multiple tours together, and their collaboration traces back to sound checks and late night jams after shows. However, during late summer 2014, Eric invited the Los Angeles-based Amp Live to his San Francisco home in order to formally record together. For the first time, the musicians found themselves in a studio environment with no distractions and a singular focus. That initial session sparked more in Northern California as well as in Santa Barbra and Los Angeles as the album’s 13 tracks solidified over the next year.
“Even after all these years, this was the first chance for us to sit down and create,” explains Amp Live. “That made a big difference. All of the boundaries opened up. I caught the feeling from Eric’s melodies and ran with it.”
“I’m more of a musician and less of a producer,” continues Eric. “I’m a huge fan of everything Amp Live does. His beats are wholly unique, and the way he produced these songs really stood out. We struck a very cool chemistry.”
This union proved so magnetic that it attracted a myriad of collaborators and friends. The first single “Stand Proud” boasts a striking hook from Shana Halligan and thought-provoking verses courtesy of New Kingston’s Tahir Panton and dancehall up-and-comer Keznamdi. Fueled by resounding percussion and horns, its lithe reggae bounce gives way to Eric’s powerful delivery and lyrics.
“As far as the subject matter goes, there’s a lot of injustice in the world,” he sighs. “Social media is so readily accessible that you can see injustice every day that much easier. I wanted to point out the corruption of the prison system in the U.S. It’s something you hear a lot about, but there’s no better way to educate than through music.”
Elsewhere, “Rainy Day In Autumn” struts along on a danceable synth, percussive handclaps, a sing-able guitar solo, and one of Eric’s most spirited choruses.
“It’s meant to make your head bob and get you dancing,” the vocalist grins. “When we were recording, it rained the entire time. It’s hard to believe because of the drought in California, but it was actually a ‘Rainy Day In Autumn.’ We had a groove blasting inside, and it was super inspiring to write.”
The boys also re-interpreted R.E.M.’s classic “Losing My Religion” from a fresh perspective.
“That’s one of my favorite R.E.M. songs,” remarks Amp Live. “I always wanted to remake it. I tried for years, but it never happened. I just thought Eric would sound dope on it. I was glad he was down. Now, ‘Losing My Religion’ adds a different vibe to the record.”
Eric and Amp Live certainly aren’t strangers to “different vibes.” Rebelution ushered reggae into the 21st century with an alternative vision that’s led to chart-topping albums such as 2014’s Count Me In (which bowed at #14 on the Billboard Top 200), countless sold out shows, and festival appearances everywhere from Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo to Glastonbury, Hangout Music Festival, Outside Lands, and more. Along with touring as a solo artist himself, Amp Live has lent his talents not only to producing for Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Goapele, The Grouch & Eligh, and the hip hop group Zion I, but also to doing official remixes for the likes of Radiohead, MGMT, Linkin Park, Beats Antique and many more.
Now, they’re sharing this new road together in Unified Highway.
“We’re two separate cars, but we’re going the same direction,” Amp Live leaves off. “We come from opposite worlds, but this highway—the music—brings us together. Hopefully, it makes everyone feel the way we do.”
“It’s all about that feeling,” Eric concurs. “I hope our music can inspire, motivate, and spread some positivity. This is a brand new project. People don’t know what to expect, and we’re excited to show them something they haven’t heard.
My Space
Unified Highway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're in my space but I'm in control
I've got a million things to offer
I've got a million things to say
I had a feeling you would catch on
To see I work in my own way
Come enter in my space
Come enter in my space
Come enter in my space
I feel your energy more and more
I feel it closer than before
You've got so many things to offer
You've got the nicest things to say
You can't deny it that you got all
I'll be the first to say the same
So take me to your world and let me see
Just so you know what's mine is yours
And that's how it's supposed to be
If you're feelin all this love then come for me
It comes so easily, easily
Take me to your world and let me see
Just so you know what's mine is yours
And that's how it's supposed to be
If you're feelin all this love then come for me
It comes so easily
Come enter in my space
Enter in my space
Come enter in my space
Come enter in my space
Enter in my world baby
Enter in my world
Won't you enter in my world baby
Come on enter in my world, yeah
Enter in my world baby
Won't you enter in my world, yeah
Enter in my world baby
Won't you enter in my world
Enter in my world baby
Enter in my world
Won't you enter in my world baby
Come on enter in my world, yeah
Enter in my world baby
Won't you enter in my world, yeah
Enter in my world baby
Won't you enter in my world
The song "My Space" by Unified Highway is all about inviting someone into the singer's world. The song starts with the singer acknowledging that they are moving slow while the other person is moving fast. However, they maintain that they are in control of the situation despite the other person being in their space. The singer wants to share their million ideas and thoughts and has a feeling that the other person will like them. They urge the other person to come into their space and share in their energy.
The second verse switches to the other person expressing how much they have to offer and how they have the nicest things to say. The singer acknowledges this fact and wants to see their world, promising that what's his is theirs. He needs the other person to come for him if they are feeling the love that he is feeling. The chorus repeats the invitation for the person to come into their world while the bridge adds more emphasis on the invitation.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of mutual respect for each other's ideas and thoughts. The singer acknowledges the other person's energy and the fact that they have a lot to offer, and this signifies the beginning of a relationship built on trust and openness.
Line by Line Meaning
You're movin fast but I'm movin slow
You may be in a rush, but I am taking things at my own pace.
You're in my space but I'm in control
Although you may be physically close to me, I am the one calling the shots.
I've got a million things to offer
I have a lot to give and share with others.
I've got a million things to say
I have a lot on my mind that I feel needs to be expressed.
I had a feeling you would catch on
I sensed that you would understand and appreciate the way I operate.
To see I work in my own way
I do things according to my own unique approach.
Come enter in my space
I am inviting you to join me in my world and connect with me.
I feel your energy more and more
I am becoming more attuned to your emotions and mood.
You've got so many things to offer
You too have a lot to share with others and contribute.
You've got the nicest things to say
You are a positive and upbeat person, always able to find something kind to say.
You can't deny it that you got all
You have a lot going for you, and it is hard to dispute that fact.
I'll be the first to say the same
I agree with you and feel the same way about your abilities and potential.
So take me to your world and let me see
I want to understand and experience your perspective and way of life.
Just so you know what's mine is yours
I am open to sharing what I have with you and want you to feel the same way.
And that's how it's supposed to be
This is how things are meant to be - cooperative and mutually beneficial.
If you're feelin all this love then come for me
If you are also feeling a connection and attraction to me, then let's pursue it together.
It comes so easily, easily
Our chemistry and connection feel natural and effortless.
Enter in my world baby
I am urging you to join me in my life and share in my experiences.
Won't you enter in my world
I am hoping you will take me up on my invitation and come into my world.
Come on enter in my world, yeah
I am excited for you to join me and experience what my world has to offer.
Contributed by Thomas T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@michaellynes3318
Rebelution is my favorite band, they've gotten me through some real life struggles, addiction, finding myself, relating to the world, finding courage and I wish to one day meet them. True inspiration!!!!
@elchanch6264
I can relate to you man rebelution has changed me man!! Keep up the positivity!!!!
@jglysson79
same here man. powerful music.
@darrenthomas1000
for sure
@noddynuff7100
same here in Australia
@kevinjones8655
We love you in st louis I was at the pageant for rebelultion but this needs to come too
@daddytomandfriends
Loving the vibrations in this song. I enjoy Eric Rachmanys voice so soothing.
@dopeboys4263
The mix of sounds is so unique and incredible. Very excited for the album. Creating a whole new genre right here and its magnificent.
@XoXoKayyC
Year after yr since this song came out I haven't stopped playing it. I love the mix of music Unified has came up with. I hope continue this project and have another album or at least uploads 😊
@mattk8743
this dude is so talented both groups hes in are amazing